Nadal's 6-4, 6-4, 6-7, 6-7, 9-7 victory against world number one Federer brought his homeland a second sporting joy in a week, following the European football championships in Austria and Switzerland.

"It doesn't matter what the ATP say, Rafa you are the number one," was the front-page verdict of sports daily Marca, while AS screamed "Long live King Nadal!"

El Mundo proclaimed that Nadal had "opened an new era in tennis", while El Pais said "neither the rain nor Federer" could stop the "giant" Nadal.

While the Euro 2008 final win over Germany provided Spain its first major football trophy in 44 years, Nadal became the first Spaniard since Manuel Santana in 1966 to lift the Challenge Cup at the All England Club.

"Nadal will win Wimbledon many more times, especially when Federer is not taking part," Santana said in an interview published by daily newspaper ABC.

The 22-year-old Nadal was modest in reaction to his marathon effort - the four-hour, 48-minute gripping contest was the longest final in Wimbledon history - and generous in his appraisal of Federer who admitted that it was his "hardest loss" of his career.

Nadal, who became the first player since Bjorn Borg in 1980 to win theFrench Open and Wimbledon in the same year, said: "I just congratulate Roger, because he always fights unbelievably.

"He is the best player of history and it is tough to play against him, especially here. His attitude is always great whether he wins or loses, so thank you very much to Roger. He is still the No 1 - he is still the best. He's still five-times champion here. Right now I have one, so for me it's a very, very important day."

Federer remains the official world No 1 but many on Centre Court, and the millions around the world who could not take their eyes off arguably the best Wimbledon final, will feel Nadal has earned the right to unofficially become the world's top ranked player.

He is within shouting distance of unseating Federer and becoming the first new No 1 since Feb 2004. Nadal is 545 points behind the Swiss and entering a part of the season where he doesn't have nearly as many points than his rival to defend.

The four-times French Open champion has been striving diligently and with year-on-year progress to claim his first major off the clay but has been stopped in his tracks by Federer - until last night's success.

He also set a new first by making his way to the royal box during his victory celebrations to shake hands with the visiting Prince and Princess of Asturias.

"It's unbelievable for me have a title here in Wimbledon," Nadal said. "I always, when I was a kid, I dream for play here, but to win is amazing.

"It's a dream to play on this court in my favourite championship, but I never imagined that I would win here. I am so very happy."

Federer was magnanimous in defeat after the rain-delayed and twice-interrupted contest, which ended at 9.16pm.

"I tried everything," the quintuple champion said. "It got a little late as well. But look, Rafa's a deserving champion, he just played fantastically."

Federer agreed that the conditions had been challenging for both players. "It didn't make things any easier," he said. "But then you have got to expect the worst. Today I had the worst opponent on the best court."

The Swiss master may have temporarily lost his crown at the home he has made his own for the last five years but he intends to recapture his territory next year.

"It's been a joy again to play here," Federer said. "A pity I couldn't win it, under the circumstances, but I'll be back again next year."